Compare top-ranked BSN, ADN, and RN programs across Washington by cost, outcomes, and format.
Which Washington nursing program actually pays for itself in 2026? The state's registered nurse shortage persists in acute care and rural counties, but entry costs vary sharply. Median graduate earnings at the schools ranked here range from about $67,000 to $79,000 a year, while net price runs from roughly $12,000 at public institutions to over $35,000 at private colleges. That spread means the highest salary does not always offset the highest debt; a cheaper public BSN can deliver a stronger return than a pricier private program with similar outcomes. Compare federal earnings data, not just school marketing claims, before choosing among top nursing schools.
These are the top nursing programs in Washington for 2026, ranked for overall value and student outcomes. Graduation rates shown on each card are institution-wide figures, not nursing-specific outcomes. Use the program highlights below to compare campus BSN options, an RN-to-BSN pathway, and a direct-entry master's track.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | ~$14,000/yr (est.) | In-state BSN seekers prioritizing public value | |
The University of Washington's Seattle campus leads with a high-ranking BSN and strong public-school value. Its two-year, full-time program uses UW Medicine and community clinics across the Seattle area, with clinical placements in medical-surgical, pediatric, family, mental health, and community nursing. Graduates show some of the highest program-level median earnings among Washington options. CCNE accredited
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| #2 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | Bothell, WA | ~$12,000/yr (est.) | Working RNs needing hybrid flexibility | |
UW Bothell's RN-to-BSN is built for working ADN-prepared nurses in the Puget Sound region, with a hybrid schedule and locations in Bothell, Everett, and Shoreline. The part-time option lets students finish in about two years, and the program emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and community health. It is part of the tri-campus UW School of Nursing system, connecting students to a strong regional reputation.
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| #3 | Gonzaga University | Spokane, WA | ~$35,000/yr (est.) | Inland Northwest students seeking Jesuit mentorship | |
Gonzaga's pre-licensure BSN in Spokane is grounded in Jesuit traditions of reflection, servant leadership, and social justice. Clinical partnerships with Providence Sacred Heart and MultiCare Deaconess give students direct experience in Eastern Washington and North Idaho care systems. The program's community health and rural practicum emphasis prepares graduates for acute and chronic care roles across the Inland Northwest. CCNE accredited
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| #4 | Seattle University | Seattle, WA | ~$35,000/yr (est.) | ||
Seattle University pairs a rigorous four-year BSN with deep connections to Seattle's major health systems, including Swedish, Providence, and UW Medicine. Small classes, an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and a 20,000-square-foot clinical performance lab support hands-on learning. The Jesuit, social-justice-focused curriculum emphasizes holistic care and has reported strong job placement for graduates in Washington. CCNE accredited
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| #5 | Washington State University | Pullman, WA | ~$15,000/yr (est.) | ||
Washington State University's BSN spans multiple campuses in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Yakima, and Pullman, making it a statewide pipeline for Washington nurses. The program emphasizes rural and medically underserved communities, with a Rural Nursing Pathway and clinical sites up to 50 miles from campus. Holistic admissions and more than $200,000 in annual nursing scholarships support a pre-licensure track that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN. CCNE accredited
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| #6 | Pacific Lutheran University | Tacoma, WA | ~$31,000/yr (est.) | ||
Pacific Lutheran University offers both a traditional campus BSN on its Tacoma campus and a direct-entry MSN for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. The nursing programs draw on a South Sound clinical network that includes MultiCare and Virginia Mason Franciscan, with practicum placements in acute care, long-term care, and mental health. The entry-level MSN emphasizes Clinical Nurse Leader and Nurse Educator preparation, with over 100 clinical partner sites. CCNE accredited
ACEN accredited
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| #7 | Northwest University | Kirkland, WA | ~$22,000/yr (est.) | ||
Northwest University's two-year BSN in Kirkland combines a faith-integrated nursing curriculum with high-fidelity simulation and clinical rotations at major Puget Sound hospitals. Students train at facilities like Seattle Children's and UW Medical Center, with cross-cultural study abroad and community-based experiences. The campus program prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN licensure and entry-level roles across Western Washington. CCNE accredited
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| #8 | Walla Walla University | College Place, WA | $20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.) | ||
Walla Walla University's BSN emphasizes competency-based learning, with modern simulation labs on two campuses and a strong record of NCLEX pass rates and job placement. The program's holistic, service-oriented approach prepares nurses for hospitals, community health, schools, and home health settings. Many graduates return to work in Eastern Washington and the broader Northwest. CCNE accredited
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| #9 | Seattle Pacific University | Seattle, WA | ~$24,000/yr (est.) | ||
Seattle Pacific University's Lydia Green Nursing Program offers a BSN in Seattle with clinical practice internships and a dedicated clinical learning lab. The curriculum pairs holistic, community-focused care with service-learning tied to local issues such as homelessness, mental health, and immigrant health. Graduates are prepared for licensure and entry-level roles in King County and the Puget Sound region. CCNE accredited
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| #10 | Heritage University | Toppenish, WA | $15,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Heritage University's BSN in Toppenish is built for rural and multicultural communities, with a strong focus on the Yakama Indian Reservation and Central Washington health care. Students begin hands-on patient care in their second year through clinical partnerships with more than 20 regional facilities. The program reports a 100% employment rate within one year and a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio for mentorship. CCNE accredited
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Our ranking of Washington nursing programs draws on five core metrics from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard: net price, graduation rate, median earnings of program completers, median debt of graduates, and number of nursing program completions. The data covers accredited ADN and BSN programs across the state. Each school receives a composite score based on equally weighted standardized values for these factors, emphasizing affordability, timely completion, and labor market outcomes.
We deliberately exclude NCLEX pass rates from the composite score. While crucial for licensure, pass rates are not uniformly reported across institutions and are influenced by exam changes and student demographics. Instead, we discuss NCLEX outcomes separately for each school when available, and you can find a comparison of Washington NCLEX pass rates later in this guide. Our goal is to highlight programs that balance cost, debt, and earnings outcomes, not just test performance.
Published tuition for Washington nursing programs often ranges from $5,000 to $40,000 per year, but net price can be significantly lower. For many students, federal and state aid, institutional grants, and scholarships reduce the actual cost by thousands. Focusing on net price gives a clearer picture of affordability, especially for in-state public programs where the difference between sticker and net can be dramatic. This matters, as high-prestige schools with high sticker prices may end up being comparable in cost to regional public universities after aid is applied.
Nursing program costs in Washington vary significantly by institution, with net price often much lower than published tuition due to grants and scholarships. The figures below show estimated out-of-pocket costs and typical debt loads alongside long-term earnings potential for graduates.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Median Debt | Median Earnings (10 Yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grays Harbor College | $5,593 | $12,553 | $4,783 | $11,075 | $40,865 |
| Spokane Community College | $5,461 | $6,612 | $5,473 | $13,501 | $41,984 |
| Bellingham Technical College | $4,431 | $5,809 | $5,997 | $17,459 | $49,748 |
| Olympic College | $4,472 | $9,740 | $7,172 | $12,000 | $43,169 |
| Lower Columbia College | $4,626 | $6,003 | $7,630 | $10,506 | $40,691 |
| Columbia Basin College | $6,555 | $8,668 | $8,317 | $14,829 | $46,680 |
| Tacoma Community College | $5,507 | $11,646 | $8,376 | $13,000 | $47,168 |
| Shoreline Community College | $5,115 | $7,905 | $8,585 | $12,021 | $52,009 |
| Seattle Central College | $5,238 | $5,796 | $8,819 | $12,000 | $43,307 |
| Walla Walla Community College | $5,279 | $6,700 | $9,406 | $14,000 | $43,526 |
| Wenatchee Valley College | $4,552 | $5,054 | $9,722 | $10,332 | $41,127 |
| Highline College | $4,772 | $5,332 | $9,879 | $9,500 | $47,869 |
| Pierce College District | $5,418 | $5,976 | $10,222 | $12,000 | $47,532 |
| Bellevue College | $4,436 | $10,502 | $11,430 | $12,375 | $56,310 |
| Clark College | $5,233 | $11,183 | $11,465 | $10,881 | $42,356 |
Median graduate debt among Washington BSN programs ranges from $14,615 (UW-Seattle) to $24,454 (Gonzaga), while 10-year median earnings vary from $62,092 (Saint Martin's) to $78,892 (Gonzaga). Public universities like UW-Seattle and UW-Bothell offer the highest return on investment, turning each dollar of debt into over $5 in earnings.
Deciding between an ADN and a BSN in Washington often comes down to how quickly you want to start working versus where you want to work. An ADN takes less time and costs less upfront, but major hospital systems including Providence, MultiCare, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health strongly prefer or require a BSN for new hires, often with a deadline to earn the bachelor's within a few years of employment. That makes ADN-to-BSN bridge programs, which can be completed online in 12 to 24 months, a popular next step for many Washington nurses.
In 2023, 88.6% of U.S.-educated nursing graduates passed the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt, according to the latest annual summary from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Washington-specific aggregate pass rates for 2024 or 2025 are not yet compiled in a single public report, but historical trends show the state's nursing programs consistently perform at or above the national average. Individual program results, filed with the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, offer the most current snapshot.
A program's first-time NCLEX pass rate is one of the most reliable indicators of educational quality. It measures the percentage of graduates who pass the licensing exam on their first try, reflecting how well the curriculum prepares students for entry-level nursing practice. Most state boards and accreditors consider a first-time pass rate above 80% to be the benchmark for a solid program. Rates above 90% signal strong instruction and student support. Consistently low or declining pass rates can point to curriculum gaps, inadequate clinical experiences, or poor alignment with the test blueprint.
For the fourth quarter of 2024, NCSBN reported that baccalaureate (BSN) programs averaged a 92% first-time pass rate nationally, while associate degree (ADN) programs averaged 90.63%. When factoring in all test-taker categories (including repeat and internationally educated candidates), the 2025 overall pass rate was 69.1%, which underscores why first-time, U.S.-educated rates are the more meaningful metric for comparing programs. In Washington, major BSN programs at the University of Washington, Washington State University, Gonzaga, Seattle University, and Pacific Lutheran have historically posted first-time rates well above 90%, often approaching 100% in recent years. ADN programs at community and technical colleges also perform solidly, typically hovering in the high 80s to low 90s.
Rather than relying on broad state averages, prospective students should consult the NCSBN's online NCLEX Pass Rates dashboard, which allows filtering by jurisdiction and individual education program. The Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission also publishes annual reports summarizing pass rates for all approved prelicensure programs in the state. Checking a program's recent three-year trend is more informative than a single year's result, as minor fluctuations are normal even at high-quality schools.
Most nursing programs in Washington are campus-based, but a growing number offer hybrid pathways. In a hybrid program, lectures and theory courses are delivered online, while labs, simulations, and clinical rotations require in-person attendance. Even when a program is labeled “online,” you should expect to complete several hundred hours of supervised clinical practice at approved healthcare facilities. This blend provides the convenience of distance learning without sacrificing the hands-on training essential for licensure.
A fully online nursing degree is nearly impossible because state licensing boards mandate direct patient care hours. Hybrid programs address this by moving didactic content online while keeping clinical components in-person. For example, you might watch lectures and complete assignments on your own schedule, then visit a campus or clinical site weekly or bi-weekly for skills labs and patient rounds. This structure suits working nurses who need flexibility but still desire the rigor of a traditional program.
Among the ranked nursing schools in Washington, five offer hybrid formats, all of them degree-completion tracks designed for current nurses. These programs assume you already hold a license (LPN or RN) and want to earn a BSN without relocating or leaving your job. The hybrid options include: - University of Washington-Bothell: RN-to-BSN program with online coursework and bi-weekly in-person classes. - Wenatchee Valley College: LPN-to-BSN hybrid, combining online modules with campus sessions and clinical practice. - Green River College: LPN-to-BSN hybrid, featuring a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate and a structured two-year plan. - Columbia Basin College: RN-to-BSN hybrid, accommodating working nurses with flexible scheduling. - Lower Columbia College: RN-to-BSN hybrid, with just one evening per week on campus and full-time completion in a year.
When weighing hybrid options, cost and return on investment matter. Using each school’s net price (what families actually pay after aid) and the median earnings of its former students 10 years after entry, the value picture varies:
These earnings figures are school-wide, not program-specific, but they offer a useful benchmark. All four programs allow ADN- or LPN-prepared nurses to complete a BSN while working, often within one to two years, making them a practical choice for career advancement.
To become a registered nurse in Washington, you must complete an approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for licensure through the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC). The state requires a fingerprint-based background check and an annual license renewal with continuing education. Advanced practice registered nurses (ARNPs) enjoy full prescriptive authority after meeting additional certification and education requirements.
Registered nurse (RN) salaries in Washington reflect not just experience and specialty, but also the local job market where you work. Statewide figures offer a starting point, but wages can shift considerably from one metro area to the next.
Statewide data shows Washington registered nurses earned a median annual wage of $99,710 in 20241, which works out to about $48 per hour. That places Washington well above the national median of $93,6002. While the statewide median is a useful benchmark, individual earnings vary widely: nationally, the bottom 10 percent of RNs earned around $66,030 and the top 10 percent made over $135,3203. Washington likely follows a similar spread, with higher percentiles in high-cost metro areas.
Where you work within Washington matters. The BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program publishes detailed wage estimates for several metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas in the state. For example, nurses in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area typically earn salaries above the state median due to higher demand and cost of living, while areas like Spokane-Spokane Valley may report medians closer to the state average. To compare, visit the BLS OEWS page for RNs (SOC code 29-1141) and select the Washington geographic profile. You'll find median wages, percentiles, and employment counts for each listed area.
Beyond the BLS, a few other sources can help you get a more complete picture of nursing pay in Washington:
Keep in mind that a cost-of-living adjustment is essential when comparing salaries across metro areas. A higher paycheck in Seattle may not stretch as far as a slightly lower one in a more affordable region, so factor in housing, taxes, and other expenses when evaluating job offers.
Planning your nursing education in Washington State? These are the questions we hear most often from aspiring nurses, covering program costs, NCLEX pass rates, online options, and licensure rules. Here are quick answers to help you compare schools and choose the right path.
The programs below extend this directory beyond the top-ranked schools on the page. Each is accredited and approved for licensure preparation in Washington, and each may fit a different set of needs: a shorter associate pathway, a hybrid bridge for working nurses, or a location closer to home. Costs and formats vary widely, so compare net price and clinical scheduling before applying.
